Interval timer



- Filed Feb. 15. 1967 May 6, 1969 HAM ET AL 3,443,042

INTERVAL TIMER Sheet of 5 May 6, 1969" M, H M ET AL 3,443,042

INTERVAL TIMER Filed Feb. 15; 1967 Sheet ,8 015 May 6, 1969 HAM ET AL 3,443,042

INTERVAL TIMER Filed Feb. 15, 1967 Sheet 3 of 5 May 6, 1969 D. M. HAM ET AL 3,443,042

INTERVAL TIMER Filed Feb. 15, 1967 Sheet 4 of5 May 6, 1969 D, M. HAM ET AL 3,443,042

INTERVAL T IMER Filed Feb. 15, 1967 Sheet 5 of s United States Patent U.S. Cl. 200-38 14 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE Disclosed herein is a timing mechanism comprising a solenoid-activated switch for energizing a motor driven timing arm. The solenoid is also operatively connected to a circuit breaker assembly through a spring biased platen member mounted beneath the timing arm and supporting the shaft on which the timing arm is mounted. The timing arm is maintained in a first plane of rotation prior to energization of the solenoid and drops to a second plane of rotation after energization. The timing arm rides a cammed surface in the second plane of rotation to the first plane of rotation with the spring biased platen member moving to support the shaft. The platen member thus repositions the timing arm for recycling prior to engagement with a control arm connected to the circuit breaker assembly and in the first plane of rotation.

Background of the invention The invention relates to a timing mechanism, more specifically, to a timing mechanism capable of performing control functions at predetermined intervals, or series of predetermined intervals.

It frequently becomes necessary to perform a control function at a remote point for a predetermined interval of time with an option to extend that period of time if the conditions should so demand. The timing mechanisms of the prior art have performed such a control function by utilizing a timer with a variable setting. However, remote control of the setting mechanism has required elaborate electro-mechanical means to attain variable settings over a Wide range. Furthermore, the timer itself required a variable setting capacity which contributed to elaboration in the timer.

In those systems wherein the expense of the abovementioned elaboration was avoided, the timing mechanism was limited to a fixed interval. Although a reset capability was provided, the systems being controlled were subjected to a change of state before reset thereby resulting in excessive wear and increased expense.

Since the prior art timing mechanisms as well as the invention are frequently used as load control devices in the power industry and utilized at the consumers outlet, increased expense in the timing mechanism itself must be expanded by a large factor to reflect the vast number of consumers utilizing such a timing mechanism. Also, where reset means are provided, equally large numbers are subject to wear and thus replacement or repair expense. The expense of either alternative is generally considered so excessive as to render individual load control prohibitive. Yet the benefits to be derived from a power system wherein the individual consumer loads may be interrupted from some remote point are necessary if the power industry is to economically meet todays diverse power needs.

Summary of the invention It is a principal object of this invention to provide a low cost timing mechanism.

It is a further object of this invention to provide such 3,443,042 Patented May 6, 1969 a timing mechanism capable of providing remote control functions at variable intervals.

It is a still further object of this invention to provide such control functions without excessive wear in the system so controlled.

Briefly stated, in accordance with one aspect of this invention, a timing mechanism is provided having first and second operative positions of a control means, in combination with a clock means and cam means associated therewith. The clock means is actuated by movement of the control means from the first operative position to the second operative position thereby beginning rotation of and dropping an element of the clock means from a first plane of rotation setting the elements in motion in a second plane of rotation with respect to the control means. The element follows the cam to the first plane of rotation intersecting the control means and forcing the control means to the first operative position upon engagement.

A controlled means having first and second operative positions corresponding to those of the control means is mounted adjacent the control means, and interaction means operatively connect the control means and the controlled means efiecting coincidence in switching between the first and second operative positions.

In its more detailed aspects, the invention includes a control means operatively connected to a switch means which begins the timing cycle of the clock means when switched to the on state. The element of the clock means includes a timing arm which begins rotation in the second plane of rotation and is elevated to the first plane of rotaaiton upon engagement with the cam. The control means and the controlled means are returned to the first operative position on engagement of the timing arm with the controlled means while the timing arm is in the first plane of rotation.

Brief description of the drawing The specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which is regarded as the invention. The invention will be understood from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view from above the timing machine;

FIGURE 2 is a plan view of the timing assembly;

FIGURE 3 is a perspective view from below the timing mechanism;

FIGURE 4 is a schematic view of an energizing circuit for the timing mechanism;

FIGURE 5 is a plan view from above the timing mechanism at a first predetermined instant in the timing cycle;

FIGURE 6 is a plan view from beneath the timing mechanism at a second predetermined instant in the timing cycle;

FIGURE 7 is a plan view from above the timing mechanism at the second predetermined instant in the timing cycle;

FIGURE 8 is a plan view of the timing mechanism taken at a third predetermined instant in the timing cycle.

Description of the preferred embodiment As shown in FIGURE 1, basic electro-mechanical and mechanical elements of the timing mechanism are mounted on a base 1 and clustered about a clock means or a simplified central timing assembly 2. It is this timing assembly 2 including a timing element or timing arm 3 secured to the upper region of a central shaft 4, an annular member or timing plate 5, and a timing gear 6, which serves as the central source of sequential control functions. As shown in FIGURE 1, timing arm 3 lies in a plane which will be designated the first plane of rotation.

The timing mechanism is actuated by an energization means including a solenoid 9 mounted within the bracket 10 at the edge of the base 1. The solenoid 9 is connected to a spring bias arrangement including a spring 11 and a cap 12 which move with a plunger (not shown) of the solenoid 9. Energization of the solenoid 9 will result in the switching of a switch means 13 to the on position.

The state of the switch means 13 is controlled by a small plunger 14 presently shown in the o position. Actuation of the plunger 14 is controlled by a pivotal switch arm 15 mounted in a "bracket 16 of the switch means 13. Since the planar position of the switch arm 15 must coincide with that of timing plate to allow interaction at a notch 8 in the timing plate 5, a bracket 17 is mounted on the base 1 to elevate the switch means 13. As may be seen, the switch arm 15 and the timing plate 5 lie in what will be designated as a second plane of rotation.

The switching of the switch means 13 to the on position upon actuation of the plunger 14, will result in activation of a clock means including a drive gear 18 mounted upon a drive shaft 19. The drive gear 18 and the tim ing gear 6 are permanently engaged so as to provide rotation of the timing assembly 2. The timing gear 6, the timing plate 5, and the timing arm 3 are interconnected so as to provide coincident rotation with the timing gear 6. The interconnection between the timing gear 6 and the timing plate 5 is effected through a means not shown in FIGURE 1. A portion of the timing arm 3 is inserted through an aperture 21 to interconnect the timing plate 5 with the timing arm 3. The aperture 21 is sufficiently large to allow vertical free movement of the timing arm 3, and in turn allow the timing arm 3 to drop from a first plane of rotation as shown to the second plane of rotation, thus coming to rest upon the timing plate 5.

The position of the switch arm 15 with respect to the switch means 13 is a function of a multi-lever control means 22, and more specifically, a timing lever 23. The control means 22 pivots upon a shaft 24 between a first operative position as shown in FIGURE 1 and a second operative position which serves to depress the plunger 14 to turn the switch means 13 to the on state. The operative position of the control means 22 is a function of a spring biasing achieved through a coiled spring 40 attached to a bracket 32 which results in forcing the timing lever 23 in the direction of the switch arm 15 and the plunger 14. The only restraint on pivotal movement of the control means 22 is that found at the end of a control lever 25 in the form of a vertically extending latch member 26 and a controlled means comprising an arm 27.

The arm 27 is controlled by an operative connection between the solenoid 9 and a connecting shaft 28 of the arm 27. A spring 29, connected between a bracket 32a and the arm 27, biases the arm 27 in a first operative position as shown. Shaft 28 is actuated to move arm 27 to a second operative position. The movement of the arm 27 between the first operative position and the second operative position corresponding with the first and second operative positions of the control means 22 is achieved by pivotal motion about a shaft 30 secured to the base 1 and limited by an aperture 31 through which shaft 28 extends. Movement of the arm 27 between the first and second positions effects similar movement of the control means 22 between the first and second operative positions which in turn effects a movement of a control arm 33 which is integrally attached thereto.

Movement of the control arm 33 to the second operative position will result in contact with the timing arm 3 when in the first plane of rotation, as shown. Since the timing arm 3 is dropped to the second plane of rotation upon energization of the solenoid 9, the timing arm 3 will clear the control arm 33 in the first revolution. Cam 34 attached to the base 1 opposite the control means 22 is positioned in the path of rotation of the timing arm 3 to 4 elfect a lifting action of arm 3 to the first plane of rotation. The result is eventual contact between the timing arm 3 and the control arm 33 forcing a return of the control means 22 to the first operative position as shown along with the controlled means, namely the arm 27. If the solenoid 9 should be reenergized prior to the contact, one or more other timing intervals can be obtained to provide a variable setting capacity in accordance with the stated object of the invention. Furthermore, the additional timing intervals may be obtained without activation of the controlled means 27 to thereby avoid excessive wear at that point.

A better understanding of the timing assembly 2 may be obtained by reference to FIGURE 2. The timing assembly 2 comprises the timing arm 3 with a U-shaped end including a vertically extending portion 35, a horizontally extending section 36, and a second vertically extending section 37 encircled by a coiled spring 38. As shown, the timing arm 3 is in the first plane of rotation which is established by the support of the central shaft 4. When the shaft 4 is allowed to drop through the timing plate 5, the timing gear 6, and a connecting means 39 which interconnects plate 5 and gear 6, the timing arm 3 will drop through the aperture 21 in the timing plate 5 with the horizontally extending section 36 approaching the timing gear 6. Although the timing arm 3 will essentially rest upon the timing plate 5, the spring 38. encircling the second vertically extending section 37 tends to force the opposite end of the timing arm 3 into direction contact with the timing plate 5. A direct contact is allowed due to the play present at the conneation between the timing arm 3 and the shaft 4.

The means of support for the lower end of the central shaft 4 may be seen by reference to FIGURE 3. More specifically, the support means for the central shaft 4 comprises a plate 43 pivotally supported at a rivet 44 and a rivet 45. The actual lower end of the central shaft 4 is presently supported to maintain the timing arm 3 in the first plane of rotation. The plate 43 serves a second function by providing an operative connection between the energization means comprising the solenoid 9, the spring 11, and the cap 12 and the controlled means comprising the connecting shaft 28 secured to the arm 27 and extending through the aperture 31. The plate 43 is secured to the cap 12 by a bracket section 48 to allow motion along the axis of the solenoid, which axis is essentially parallel to a slot 49 in the plate 43, thereby permitting the above-described pivotal motion.

As shown in FIGURE 3, the shaft 28 abuts an edge of the plate 43 to achieve the operative connection between the solenoid 9 and the arm 27. Shaft 28 serves a further function by connection to a first contact member 51 of a circuit breaker assembly 53 to perform a makebreak function with a second contact member 52. The circuit breaker assembly 53 is secured to the base 1 with leads 54 and 55 illustrated to indicate connection with an electrical load.

It may be seen that energization of the solenoid 9 will result in compression of the spring 11 and movement of plate 43 in a clockwise direction, as viewed in FIGURE 3. This movement will result in movement of shaft 28 which moves arm 27 (FIGURE 1) allowing lever 23 to pivot which acts through arm 15 to depress the plunger 14 to energize motor 86 and begin rotation of the drive shaft 19 connected to the motor 86. Simultaneously, the shaft 28 will break contact between the first contact member 51 and the second contact member 52, and thereby disconnecting power to the electrical load.

The solenoid 9 may be energized by a frequency selective circuit as shown in FIGURE 4. Although various alternatives may be utilized to provide the remote control capability and still fall within the scope of our invention, the frequency selective circuit is particularly adapted to remotely controlled load interruption in a power system.

The frequency selective circuit, which is sensitive to control signals of a particular frequency from a remote source, as shown comprises an NPN emitter follower input circuit including first and second coupling capacitors 56 and 57 which are connected respectively, to a center tap on a voltage divider comprising resistors 58 and '59 and a common bus 60. The voltage divider, connected to a positive bias bus '61, establishes a suitable bias on a transistor 62 through a base-center tap connection.

The output of the input emitter follower circuit established at the junction of an emitter resistor 63 and the emitter of the transistor 62 is next supplied to an A-C a-mplifier through a coupling capacitor 64. The A-C amplifier comprises a biasing voltage divider including resistors 65 and 66 and an emitter bias resistor 67 for an NPN transistor 68. The output at the collector of the transistor 68 provides the circuit with its frequency selective capability through a parallel tuned circuit combination comprising an inductor 69 and a capacitor 70. If the tuned circuit combination is tuned to a particular control frequency, a distinct control frequency may be established for energization of the solenoid 9.

The selected signal from the A-C amplifier is then applied to a rectifying and integrating circuit through a coupling resistor 71 and a diode 72 to establish a rectified output from a PNP transistor 73. The transistor is biased to a state of conduction by a voltage divider comprising a first resistor 74 and a second resistor 75. The base and emitter terminals on the transistor 73 are connected through a normally reversed biased diode 76 while the output at the collector of the transistor 73 is integrated by a parallel R-C combination comprising a capacitor 83 and a resistor 77. The integrated output is then applied to an output circuit comprising a D-C amplifieremitter follower combination.

The rectified integrated output is first amplified by an NPN transistor 78 with the collector output terminal biased by a resistor 79 and connected to the base of a PNP transistor 80 in an emitter follower configuration. The current at the base of the transistor 80 is sutficient- 1y amplified to energize the solenoid 9 which is connected to the positive bias 61 through a series resistor 81. The circuit breaker assembly 53, as shown schematically, is then opened to disconnect the flow of current through the leads 54 and 55 thereby disconnecting the electrical load when the timing mechanism has been operated.

The sequential operation of the timin mechanism may best be understood by reference to FIGURES 58 wherein the various stages of operation are revealed.

FIGURE 5 depicts the operation of the timing mechanism before energization of the solenoid 9 and interruption at the circuit breaker assembly 53. The plunger 14 of the switch 13 is released to the undepressed state by the switch arm 15. Although the timing lever 23 of the control means 22 is urged to engagement with the switch arm 15 by the bias of the spring 40, engagement of the control lever 25 by a first notch 85 of the arm 27 prevents actuation of the switch arm 15. As a consequence, the timing plate 5 is retained by the switch arm 15 at the notch 8 with no rotation of the timing plate 5, the timing arm 3, or the drive gear 18.

The above-described condition will be sustained by the bias of the spring 29 connected to a bracket 32a as long as the solenoid 9 is not energized. The control shaft 4 of the timing assembly 2 will be supported by the plate 43 and ultimately supported by the rivets 44 and 45 attached to the plate 1. The timing arm 3 overlying the notch 8 of the timing plate 5 is presently" in the first plane of rotation established by rotation over the cam 34 in a previous timing cycle.

FIGURE 6 depicts a state of the timing mechanism after energization by the solenoid 9 and the compression of the spring 11 between the bracket and the cap 12. Movement of the cap 12 towards the solenoid 9 effects a counter-clockwise rotation of the plate 43 (as viewed in FIGURE 6), thereby allowing the control shaft 4 of the timing assembly 2 to drop through the notch 46. The counter-clockwise motion of the plate 43 also establishes movement of the shaft 28 to open the contacts 51 and 52 of the circuit breaker assembly 53 thereby interrupting current fiow through the leads 54 and 55.

FIGURE 7 depicts the timing mechanism at the same point in time as FIGURE 6 with the control means 22 maintained in the second operative position in a notch 84 on the arm 27 which represents the second operative position of the arm 27. The timing lever 23 will engage the switch arm 15 when the control means 22 is in the second operative position, thereby depressing 22 is in the second operative position, thereby depressing the plunger 14 of the switch means 13. The depression of the plunger 14 and the completion of a circuit (not shown) through the motor 86 creates rotation of the gear 18. The timing assembly 2, as shown, has been rotated through approximately degrees with the timing arm 3 presently engaging the cam 34 and riding to the first plane of rotation. Note that the control arm 33 lies in the path of the timing arm 3 when the control means 22 is in the second operative position. However, the timing arm 3 passed beneath the control arm 33 in its first 180* degrees of rotation, thereby avoiding engagement which would effect a switching of control means 22 and the arm 27 to the first operative positions.

FIGURE 8 depicts the timing mechanism after engagement of the control arm 33 by the timing arm 3 which was effected shortly after the second 180 degrees of rotation. A brushing contact by the timing arm 3 with the control arm 33 created a clockwise rotation of the control means 22 resulting in removal of the latch member 26 from the second notch 84 to the first notch 85, thereby releasing the arm 27 to its first operative position.

Although the arm 27 is restrained to its first operative position by the spring 29 and attached bracket 32a and the switch arm 15 is released from engagement by the timing lever 23, the clock motor 86 will continue to run since the timing plate 5 will retain switch arm 15 at its edge to retain the plunger 14 in the depressed condition. The motor will continue to run until the timing arm 3 and the subjacent notch 8 intercept the end of the switch lever 15. Note that rotation of the timing arm 3 is completely Within the first plane of rotation since the plate 43 and the notch 46 therein were moved to the support position by the bias applied to the plate 43 through the spring 11. It will be observed that the rotation of the timing arm 3 n the second 180 degrees of rotation may be characterlzed as a time of support by the plate 43, with decompression of the spring 11 following deenergization of solenoid 9. Arm 27 remains in the second operative position, the contacts in the circuit breaker assembly 53, remain open and the plunger 14 of the switch 13 remains depressed continuing rotation of the timing assembly 2 as driven by the drive gear 18. If the solenoid 9 is reenergized during this second 180 degrees of rotation which in actuality continues until contact of the control arm 33 by the timing arm 3, the plate 43 will again move to drop the control shaft 4 thereby maintaining the arm 27 and the control means 22 in the second operative position to allow another 360 degrees of rotation. If, after that 360 degrees of rotation which results in a lifting of the timing arm 3 from the second plane of rotation to the first plane of rotation, the solenoid is re-energized, a third 360 degree rotation will occur. Hence, the state of the circuit breaker assembly 53 may be indefinitely sustained for an integral number of timed cycles. The result is a simplified timing mechanism with a variable setting capacity with no necessity for repetitively connecting and disconnecting the load.

Although specific energization circuitry has been shown, it is appreciated that the energization circuitry need not be of the particular configuration shown, nor is it necessary that it be frequency selective. In fact, the electro-mechanical nature of the energization means 7 might be eliminated by substitution of a totally mechanical arrangement.

Finally, although the timing mechanism is particularly adaptable to the remote consumer load control, the electro-mechanical circuit breaker assembly might be eliminated and a wholly mechanical load substituted.

Although specific embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it is not desired that the invention be limited to the particular form shown and described and it is intended to cover all modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent of the United States is:

1. A timing mechanism comprising:

(a) a control means having first and second operative positions;

(b) a clock means actuated when said control means is switched to a second position, having a predetermined path of rotation;

(c) and a cam positoned in the path of rotation, an element of said clock means lying in a first plane of rotation before energization, said element lying in a second plane of rotation beneath said control means after energization and until engaging said cam, said element following said cam to the first plane of rotation and switching said control means to the first operative position upon engagement therewith.

2. The timing mechanism as recited in claim 1 including a controlled means engaged by said control means having corresponding first and second operative positions.

3. The timing mechanism as recited in claim 2 including an energizing means and a support means beneath and supporting said element, said energizing means operatively connected to said controlled means through said support means, said energizing means switching said controlled means and said control means to the second operative positions upon energization.

4. The timing mechanism as recited in claim 3 including a first switch means alternately engaged by said control means and said clock means to establish a timing cycle of said clock means upon energization of said energizing means and engagement by said control means.

5. The timing mechanism as recited in claim 4 wherein said control means includes the control arm lying in the first plane of rotation, said control arm being intercepted by rotation of said element.

6. The timing mechanism as recited in claim 5 wherein said element comprises a timing arm carried in the first plane of rotation before energization by said energization means, said support means releasing said timing arm upon energization of said energizing means with ensuing rotation in the second plane of rotation, said timing arm riding said cam to the first plane of rotation and engaging said control arm to effect a switching of said control means and said controlled means to the first operative positions.

7. The timing mechanism of claim 6 wherein said control means includes a switching lever and a control lever with spring biasing means, said switching lever engaging said switching means and said control lever engaging said controlled means.

8. The timing mechanism of claim 7 wherein said switching means includes a switch arm lying in the second plane of rotation and engaged by said switching lever, said switching arm having on and off positions corresponding to the second and the first operative positions respectively of said control means and of said controlled means.

9. The timing mechanism as recited in claim 8 wherein said clock means includes an annular member lying in the second plane of rotation, said annular member including a notch for receiving said switching lever, said switching lever retaining said switch arm in the' on position until said control arm engages said timing arm, said annular member retaining said switch arm in the on position until said notch and said switch arm engage.

10. The timing mechanism as recited in claim 9 wherein said spring biasing means maintains said control arm in engagement with said controlled means.

11. The timing mechanism as recited in claim 10 wherein said controlled means includes a contact means for making and breaking an electrical connection.

12. The timing mechanism as recited in claim 11 including a control circuit connected to said energizing means.

13. The timing mechanism of claim 12 wherein said energization means includes a solenoid.

14. The timing mechanism as recited in claim 13 wherein said control circuit includes a tuned circuit responsive to signals of a predetermined frequency.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,839,623 6/1958 Stolle 200-38 3,083,272 3/ 1963 Stolle.

3,124,668 3/1964 Zagorski et 211.

3,267,659 8/1966 Hancock.

3,291,923 12/1966 Bauer.

ROBERT K. SCHAEFER, Primary Examiner.

H. O. JONES, Assistant Examiner.

U.S. Cl. X.R. 307233 my UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No. BJ Dated May 6, 1969 Inventor) Donald M. Ham and Clifton E. Taylor It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

r- 001. 2, line 32 "rotation" is misspelled Col. line 30 "direction" should be direct line 31 "connection" is misspelled Col. 6, line 13 This line should be deleted, as it is not part of the specification.

SIGNED AND SEALED MR 101970 (SEAL) Awash EdwardMFletchu, Ir. WILLIAM E. JR-

Attesting Officer Gdmaissioner of Patents 

